Introduction
You might have been thinking of volunteering somewhere in Southeast Asia, but don’t know where to go yet. You would also like to visit a country that has a high level of biodiversity; a country to experience various adventures and one that has splendid beaches as well. And you want to experience all this while doing something good for somebody else. Then you need to volunteer in Indonesia!
Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world! According to data from the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Indonesia in 2010, the country is formed by 17, 508 islands, – 9,634 of them have no name yet. This guide is meant to help you to learn what it meanst to be a volunteer in Indonesia. I will give you useful information about the country’s social projects, as well as other helpful details you need to consider beforehand, like costs of travelling, safety precautions, social etiquette, etc. I will also suggest you some interesting sightseeing activities, as well as places to visit, and festivals you might want to attend.
Top 6 interesting facts about Indonesia
This country is huge! It takes around 12 hours of flying time to get from one end of the country to the other end.
Of its 17, 508 islands only around 6,000 are inhabited by people.
Indonesia is extremely culturally diverse: around 300 different ethnic groups coexist in this lovely country.
Indonesia is the 4th most populous country in the world!
Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is home to around 15o volcanoes!
In Bali, almost everyone has had their teeth filled down.
Fields of interest in Indonesia
Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world: it is located between the Pacific and the Indian Ocean. This country has a lot of natural wealth: around 17% of all species in the world can be found in Indonesia. And, because of this, the country has become an “eco-tourism” destination that has thousands of international visitors every year. Indonesia has a rich culture, and various tribes live here in peace and harmony: each with its own traditions and languages.
Indonesia supports the world’s second highest level of biodiversity in the world, and it is topped only by Brazil. Despite that, the country struggles against low levels of awareness, the absence of an environmental law enforcement and weak development of science and technology concerned with the protection and conservation of this biodiversity. Seems like here is a field where volunteers come in handy!
Fauna
Indonesia has around 515 mammal species, 122 species of butterflies, 600 species of reptiles, 1531 species of birds and 270 species of amphibians! Talking about coexisting!
Cool fact: if you are a fan of Jurassic Park, you need to come to Indonesia and meet the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). It is one of the world’s rarest reptiles, and one of the most primitive, as well. The Komodo dragon is the world’s largest lizard and can grow up to 3 meters long and weigh up to 60 kilograms. You can usually find these dragons in eastern Indonesia, and the Islands of Komodo. There are around 6,000 Komodo dragons in the world, and it is considered an endangered species. This is greatly due to lack of protection and the destruction of its habitat. So, if you are interested in supporting environmental programs, consider to be a volunteer in Indonesia!
Flora
As you might expect, Indonesia is also rich in flora, and the country hosts unique varieties of tropical plants. For example, the Rafflesia arnoldi, which can be found in certain parts of Sumatera and Kalimatan, and it is considered to be the largest flower in the world!
The inhabitants of these islands use about 6,000 of these plants directly or indirectly. This wonderful country has the largest tropical forest in the world, and hosts the world’s greatest diversity of palms: like ebony, teakwood, sandalwood, and 122 species of bamboo, amongst others. Indonesia also hosts 350 species of rattan and is the main producer of rattan can in the world.
Health
Around 29% of the population in Indonesia is under 15 years old; and only 5% are over 65 years old. So, Indonesia is considered to be a young country. Life expectancy in the country is of 70.8 years. Approximately 28 million people live below the poverty line; which means they earn around $17 USD per month. And almost half of the population don’t earn much above this line.
One of the main causes of death in Indonesia are illnesses caused from smoking, which kills about 400, 000 people each year. Additional to this, HIV/AIDS poses as a major public health threat since the 90s. In 2003, Indonesia ranked third among ASEAN nations in Southeast Asia. The other health hazards that the country faces are dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever and avian influenza.
Maternal mortality rate is a growing concern for the government of Indonesia. In 2012 was reported 359 deaths per 100, 000 live births, and the main cause of this is severe post-natal bleeding due to lack of pregnancy regular control.
Education
Education in Indonesia is obligatory for nine years. And parents can choose to take their children to private or public schools. The enrolment rate is around 92% for primary education, 77% for secondary education, and 32% for tertiary education. The country has an astonishing 93% literacy rate, and counts with around 118 state universities. Teachers are respected members of society, as it is in almost all Asia, and teacher-training programs are constantly being upgraded.
There are two types of education in Indonesia: formal (primary, secondary and tertiary) and non-formal. Private schools are usually Islamic schools. They represent 7% of the total of the school system, and the Department of Religious Affairs finances them. Nevertheless, nearly all instruction is conducted in Indonesian, although children are allowed to use their local language when they are little. As a volunteer in Indonesia, you could assist the people working in the field with this enormous task and support the various programs that focus on education for children. Help and a great deal of compromise is always needed!
Technology
Indonesia is famous for installing some traditional technologies, particularly in agriculture and marine. In agriculture, they use a technique of paddy cultivation, namely terasering. This technique is wildly used in other Southeast Asian countries, as well.
The Bugis and Makassar people in Indonesia are also well-known because of the wooden sailing vessel called “pinisi boat”. This boat is mainly used for inter-insular transportation, cargo and fishing purposes within the archipelago.
Indonesia has also a long history in developing military and small commuter aircraft. It is the only country in Southeast Asia to produce and develop its own aircraft; also producing components for Airbus and Boeing with the Indonesian Aerospace state-owned company.
Additional to this, Indonesia has a highly developed railway industry, with its state-owned train manufacturer company: the Indonesian Railway Industry (known locally as Industri Kereta Api). So, if you want to volunteer in Indonesia in a field concerned with technology, be sure you are going to find the experience pretty interesting.
Living costs for a volunteer in Indonesia
This is just an estimate of the costs of living as a volunteer in Indonesia. While this is only an estimation of what a single person might spend in US Dollars in the country, you should be aware that costs may vary with time. So, saving money to cover your costs of being a volunteer in Indonesia is key to have a happy trip! We want to give you a general idea of how the country does economically, and how much money you should consider saving to volunteer in Indonesia, to travel and for leisure.
Hotel
$120
Big Mac®
$2.19
Coca-Cola®
$0.51
Eating out
$11
Rental car
$358 /week
Hostel
$25
Marlboro™
$1.34
Beer
$1.95
Fuel
$0.59
Public transport
$0.30
Best time to volunteer in Indonesia
Dry season (May- September)
Indonesia has two seasons: wet and dry, and warm tropical temperatures average 28ºC during the day, throughout the year. In most regions, the dry season ranges from May to September, with the rains falling from October to April.
In some regions, the difference between the two seasons is not so extreme, like it is the case in Bali and Kalimantan.
Monsoon Season (October-March)
It varies from region to region and flooding can occur. Monsoon winds are moderate and typically predictable. But, in general, the waters around Indonesia are warm, and humidity ranges between 70-90%.
What precautions should I consider as a volunteer in Indonesia?
Safety
First of all, you should be aware that the risk of being mugged or pick pocketed in a big city is more frequent than in small cities. So, excercise common sense and don’t risk being robbed! Tourism in Indonesia is an important component of the Indonesian economy. In 2015, around 10.41 million international visitors entered Indonesia! We want to give you some advice, so you can make the best out of your trip:
There is a high treat from terrorism in Indonesia. Types of attacks have included suicide bombing and small-arms fire, targeting public and crowded places. One should remain vigilant during holiday periods, which includes Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, Nyepi, Easter and Independence Day.
Keep your personal belongings and important travel documents with you at all times! It also makes sense to bring attested photocopies of these documents, in case you loose them!
Don’t wear expensive jewellery when walking around and watch where you leave your bags on public transportation (Tip for ladies: don’t put your bags on the floor!)
If you are going out, it does not make sense to take a lot of money with you. Take only the money you will need!
If you are unfortunately robbed, do not resist robbery! Your life is more valuable than any item they can take away from you!
Take care when withdrawing money form a bank or at an ATM!
Do not use unregistered taxis! Doing so increases the risk of becoming a victim of a crime, or being kidnapped.
Exercise caution when travelling to Aceh, Central Sulawesi Province, Maluku Province, Papua and West Papua Province due to potential for violence or violent conflict.
Law
Possession, trafficking and manufacture of drugs are serious offences in Indonesia. Some of these offences carry the death penalty. So, please, do not get involved!
Police often raid venues (particularly in Bali) known to be frequented by foreigners; urine and blood tests are often taken. We strongly suggest not taking drugs if you volunteer in Indonesia.
It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected wild animal, as well as trading its parts without a license. Ivory trade and tiger parts trade is prohibited!
During Balinese New Year (Nyepi), people need to stay indoors and observe a day of silence; they should make no noise and turn off lights.
Gambling is illegal in Indonesia.
You must be able to show your travel documents or stay permit at any time, when required to do so by an immigration officer. We recommend carrying these items with you!
Social Etiquette
Some codes of etiquette determine social behaviour expectations and are considered to be very important in Indonesian culture. It demonstrates respect for others. These are just some of the common examples of social etiquette in Indonesia:
Indonesians smile a lot to initiate contact. Smile in return! It is considered to be polite.
Everyone has a status, and no one is equal. And this status needs to be respected; not doing so denotes lack of good manners.
Elders must be respected through salim, which is a revering handshake by touching the back of the hand to the forehead.
Children touch the tip of their nose or forehead with the back of the elder’s palm. This reflects a special respect from the young to the old.
Direct confrontation is avoided: Indonesians will make anything possible to avoid directly to say “no”.
When greeting or introducing oneself, smiling, a handshake, and slightly nod is a good gesture.
When shaking hands, offering a gift, handing, pointing or receiving something, or touching with your left hand is perceived as “unclean”. Both the Muslim and Hindu faiths abhor the use of the left hand, because it is the one you use to clean yourself in the toilet. So, don’t…
You should point with the whole open palm, or just a thumb, instead of doing it with the forefinger.
If you are invited to have dinner or lunch at an Indonesian home, the [man] host, the most senior family member or honoured host has the right to initiate the meal.
One should refrain to eat in front of a Muslim colleague or friend during the days of Ramadan. As 80% of the Indonesian population is Muslim, this can be done out of consideration for them.
Dress modestly when visiting candi and pura (temples), mosques and churches. Some non-religious sites, like the sultan’s palace (keratons) may also require modest attire.
Essential Packing
Apart from the essential travel documents, like passport, travel medical insurance information, and visa, you should also keep photocopies or scanned copies of these; in case you lose them.
Get protected from the sun! Always carry sun cream with you!
Keep enough cash with you. You cannot use credit cards in a lot of restaurants and stores.
Carry a money belt with you to keep your money secure.
Carry appropriate luggage with you: daypacks or backpacks for short excursions and trips around the city; as well as soft shell bags, if you plan on taking bus or train rides in the region.
Pack appropriate clothing and shoes! This means: comfortable, loose-fitting shorts, singlet-tops, kaftans, board shorts, summer dresses, t-shirts, and other items you routinely wear during summer at home.
Walking shoes are a MUST, as you may find that you end up walking several kilometres a day.
Over-the-counter medicines are cheap and available, BUT if you need to take special medication, bring enough with you, as it might be difficult to find it here!
Locks for hostel lockers and also for your luggage!
Swimwear: you are going to be swimming a lot!
Don’t forget to pack all the essentials for your electronics –like chargers and pre-charged battery packs.
Key Phrases
Although Indonesian (locally known as Bahasa) is the official language in Indonesia, there are more than 700 languages spoken in this country. The Indonesia language is mainly used for business, education and commerce; and it is recognized as Indonesia’s only official language.
But most Indonesians speak other languagues, such as Javanese, as their first language. Javanese is the most widely spoken language, without official recognition. Sudanese is the second in the list. As a volunteer in Indonesia, you might want to say some words to impress your hosts and show you are willing to learn at least some basic Indonesian language skills.
Hello: selamat (su-la-mat)
Good morning: selamat pagi (suh-lah-mat pah-gee)
Do you speak English?: Bisa bahasa Inggris? (ˈbisa baˌhasa ˈiŋgrɪs)
Goodbye
If you are the one leaving: selamat tinggal (teen-gal)
If you are the one staying: selamat jalan (jal-lan)
Thank you: Terima kasih (təˌrima ˈkasih)
Yes: Ya (ja)
No: Tidak (ˈtidaʔ)
How to spend your free time as a volunteer in Indonesia
At this point, you have already received an extensive amount of information about what you should expect as a volunteer in Indonesia. It is time that we tell you all about the fun and interesting activities you’ll get to do in this beautiful country. There is certainly a lot to do and see in Indonesia, so we will just mention some of the various places you should go, and some of the activities and festivals you might want to attend. Have fun!
Sights
Indonesia is diverse and has around 17,000 islands, so I am certain that you will find everything you fancy, from great beaches to awesome historic sites. Be it for leisure, culture, diving, or trekking, these are places you must visit to experience the country’s rich cultural and social diversity, as well as its iconic views.
Jakarta
It is the capital of Indonesia, located on the northwest coast of Java. Its official metropolitan area, Jabodetabek, is the second largest in the world. Jakarta hosts various art and culture festivals and exhibitions, such as the annual Jakarta International Film Festival, among others.
The metropolis also hosts a great number of museums, and it has numerous shopping malls and markets. Jakarta has the world’s largest shopping mall floor area within a single city. You can shop little items at the street markets, or buy products from big brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, etc. Traditional markets include Blok M, Tanah Abang, Senen, Pasar Baru, Glodok, etc.
Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo is located at 2,329 meters above sea level, and it is one of the most iconic mountain in Indonesia. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and there are areas that tourists cannot visit, because of the danger that this represents. The majestic Mount sits inside the massive Tengger caldera, which is a volcanic crater with a diameter of approximately 10km. The local myths about Mount Brom tell that this is the site were a brave prince sacrificed his life for his family, and to appease the Gods, the people must offer food and money by throwing it into the crater of the volcanoe once a year during the Kasada festival.
Bali
Bali is also an island and province of Indonesia, it is located at the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. You might have heard of Bali before, as it is a popular tourist destination. It is renowned for its highly developed arts, like modern dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking, etc. Bali is also part of the Coral Triangle: the are with the highest biodiversity of marine species. In this area alone, one can found over 500 reef building coral species. This is about 7 times as many as in the entire Caribbean!!
The main tourist locations are Kuta, and its outer suburbs of Legian and Seminyak, the coast town of Sanur, etc. Bali has grown so much in popularity that the island received the Best Island Award from Travel and Leisure magazine in 2010. It won because of its attractive surroundings, diverse tourist attractions, excellent cuisine, and the friendliest local people.
Festivals
Indonesia is a diverse country and has a huge population, and as a result of this, it has a good mix of cultural events, religious festivities, ceremonies and festivals. You will be able to find religious events from all kinds of religions, as well as local festivals, ceremonies or arts/cultural events. These are just some of the festivals you should experience during your stay as a volunteer in Indonesia.
Tahun Baru
This is the New Year’s Day celebration! What’s so interesting about it? Indonesia’s cultural diversity means that New Year is celebrated differently around the country. Some people celebrate it with street carnivals, shows, fireworks, and all-night festivities. Christians visit each other and attend church services; others invite friends and family over and eat awesome food together. It is definitely a great experience, and a very festy, very joyful day!
Independence Day
Indonesians celebrate their Independence Day on the 17th. of August and this is the Nation’s biggest festival. It marks Indonesia’s Independence from the Netherlands in 1945. This national holiday is celebrated throughout Indonesia with parades, community gatherings, athletic events involving adults and children such as sack races and a vast arrange of cultural and performing art festivals.
Nyepi
It literally means “Day of Silence”, and it is commemorated every Isakawarsa, or “New Year” according to Balinese calendar (in 2016, it was March 9th). It is a celebration carried out mainly in Bali. Like the name indicates, people remain silent during the day (usually from 6am-6pm) and use it to fast, and meditate. Any other activity that interferes with this purpose is usually restricted. On this day, people cannot light fires, work, seek entertainment or pleasure, travel, and some don’t even eat or talk at all! The only people to be seen outdoors are the traditional security men who patrol the streets and ensure that prohibitions are being followed by everyone… yes, you too foreigners!
Tourists can do as they wish in their hotels, but no one is allowed onto the beaches or streets, and the Bali Airport remains closed for the entire day! During this time, a series of rituals are hold every year with the intention of purifying oneself, create balance, and forgive one another.
Jalan Jaksa Street Festival
This festival features the best -and arguably the worst- of the local Betawi food. You will see dancing on the streets, as well as art exhibitions, and a good old fashioned carousing into the night. It is held in Jakarta, and it is a local celebration that takes place over three days (Fri-Sun). It is the best time to sample Betawi food like brightly coloured glutinous cakes, stews, soups, and noodle dishes from street vendors.
Food
Why is Indonesian food so delicious? Because it is based on fresh spices and great flavours! This is certainly not an exhaustive list of Indonesian food, but one that I think you may want to try out and experience as a volunteer in Indonesia. Indonesian food is great and you will definitely want to have more!
Sambal
Technically a condiment: this chili-based sauce is in every Indonesian table. It is a combination of chillies, fermented shrimp paste, lime juice, sugar, and salt. You will definitely become a fan of this sauce and will probably will miss have it in every meal, when you leave Indonesia.
Satay
This is probably one of the best known dishes in Indonesia. They are flavourful chicken, goat, mutton or rabbit skewers cooked up over hot coals. They are served with a hearty dose of peanut sauce! It is considered to be one of Indonesia’s national dishes, and street vendors have helped to popularize it. Needless to say: this is delicious!
Bakso
It is a savoury meatball soup, that is loved by nearly everyone -including Presidents! The meatballs are made of chicken, beef, pork or a combination of all of them. It is mostly sold from pushcarts called kaki lima, and it is garnished with fried shallots, boiled egg and noodles.
Sayur Asem
This is a sour tamarind soup, sometimes prepared with meat stock or fish stock that can include a mixture of different ingredients, like corn, chayote, melinjo and bilimbi. It is clear and refreshing, and if you are a lover of sour meals, this one is for you!
Do I need a Visa to volunteer in Indonesia?
You have arrived to the boring part of this guide: the part where you need to think about the documentation you need to volunteer in Indonesia! But you better get over with it quickly, so you can move on with your plans. Luckily for you, we made all the necessary research you need to get a Visa as a volunteer in Indonesia, so you don’t have to –although you probably should!
To volunteer in Indonesia you need to apply for a Socio-Cultural Visa!
Elegibility:
A passport with at least 6 months validity for single entry or 1 year for multiple entry, which has at least one blank page for visa (amendment and endorsement pages cannot be used for visa).
Two (2) recent colour passport size photographs Note: Do not staple or affixed the photographs on the form.
Two (2) completed and signed application forms. The application form can be downloaded here.
Letter of invitation from the social organization you are working with as a volunteer in Indonesia, which describes the purpose of the visit and guaranteeing all transportation and living expenses that will incur during stay.
Copy of the K.T.P (Indonesian ID Card) of the principal/person who signed the letter of Invitation if the person is an Indonesian citizen.
If your host is a foreigner, a Copy of KIMS/KITAS (Indonesian Immigration’s temporary stay permit), or Identification card for foreigner will be needed.
Confirmed onward or return travel ticket.
Applicants under 18 years of age should attach a notarized copy of birth certificate + a notarized letter of consent signed by non-travelling legal guardian must be attached if the applicant under 18 years of age travels without the legal guardian.
If you apply from your country of residence, provide a copy of residence/student Visa. This is to confirm that you are staying in your residence country legally.
Inoculation is recommended but not mandatory, and is required only if applicant had previously travelled to areas/ countries infected by yellow fever.
Non-refundable Visa fee of approx. $35 USD.
If you still have doubts concerning the documentation you need to volunteer in Indonesia, do not hesitate to approach the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate nearest to you! And if you have other questions concerning these and other topics, please visit Indonesia’s tourism site and get all the answers you need! You are set!
Volunteer Requirements
-You should be at least 18 years old to volunteer in Indonesia (although some programs require a minimum of 22 years old).
-You should have an intermediate level of English knowledge; some programs require advanced English-knowledge.
-For some programs a health declaration, and a criminal background check is required.
– To be enrolled or have been already finish at High School or University studies; some programs require to have a studies on Social Sciences, Social Work, Community Development, Medicine, Women Studies, etc.
-You need to send a CV and an application form.
-To have strong inter-personal skills, and experiences in working with a wide variety of people is expected from all volunteers. Other skills like dancing, drawing, sports, etc. can favor you as well!
-You need to commit with the program you choose to volunteer with. This means: do respect the schedule given to you!
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